The National Collegiate Athletic Association has approved waivers for 45 Northwestern State University of Louisiana players, by extending another season of eligibility for the student-athletes who competed in the shortened 2023 football season.
The Demons competed in six games during the season, but then later canceled the season following the death of junior safety Ronnie Caldwell out of respect for the mental health and well-being of the players.
The National Collegiate Athletics Association approved nine “extension of eligibility waivers” and 38 “season of competition waivers” for the student-athletes who competed in more than four games. The current NCAA guidelines will be used regarding eligibility for players in four or fewer games and still have a redshirt season remaining on their eligibility clock.
For many of the senior athletes at NSU, their collegiate football career almost came to an end before the NCAA’s approval of waivers.
Chance Newman, senior health and human performance major who plays both quarterback and tight end, was one of those players.
“It was very exciting, especially after last season with the way it all went down and not being able to finish the season,” Newman said. “For somebody like me that was my last season, and it would have been if not due to the NCAA’s decision. Thankfully though, we have another shot to come back and play one more season.”
Donovan Green, senior electrical engineering major and defensive lineman, was one of many players who wanted to finish out the year.
“Even though a lot of us wanted to finish when everything was out of our control, the fact that we got that season back means everything to us and we’re grateful,” Green said. “We’re trying to get back into the routine again. For the NCAA to say we wanted to finish our season, it means a lot, and it’s a good thing for the team.”
Many players on the team believe that in the 2024 season they will make a comeback from the arrival of new coaching staff and the young additions to the team.
“Even though we’ve had a lot of guys transfer out, we’ve gotten new guys in here who don’t necessarily comprehend what went down last season,” Newman said. “ It’s almost kind of a fresh feeling for a freshman or someone who transferred from another school.”
With practice rapidly starting back up, players like Anthony Richard Jr., junior communication major and cornerback, are entrusting NSU football head coach Blaine McCorkle to ensure that progress will be made from last season.
“We’re just trusting coach, that’s really one of the main things he asked us to do was put our trust in him, and he’s trying to make a change that the team needed,” Richard said. “I think the team is on board and likes the way the season is heading. He’s an admirable guy, and someone we can get behind.”